Stade de Reims manager Will Still has admitted his shock over a comment that French football referee Francois Letexier had allegedly made to him following his side's 2-0 defeat by Lens on Saturday.
It came after reports emerged that the coach was on Sunderland's shortlist of managers to take over from Tony Mowbray who was sacked by the club after their 1-1 draw against Millwall at the start of December.
Despite the claims, Still has meanwhile reaffirmed his commitment to his current club, who have lost four out of their last five matches.
After Saturday's defeat, the 31-year-old reportedly approached the referee to voice his concerns over how the game was officiated.